A new era for Cheshire East

 

Cheshire East Council today announced that Kim Ryley will be seconded to the authority to serve as interim Chief Executive. 

He will join on August 13, to take up his new role.

He comes to Cheshire East from his post of Chief Executive at Shropshire Council.

Kim will work with Cheshire East over the coming months to give support following the departure of Erika Wenzel, who has been on sick leave since March.

Kim brings with him specialist skills that include leadership development, organisational culture change, performance management, economic and community development and reputation management.

Councillor Michael Jones said: “We are delighted that Kim Ryley is able to join us, to help lead our ambitious programme of change and improvement. His proven track record of success in Shropshire, and in councils where he has worked previously, makes him a real asset  for us at this time.

“His secondment is a good early demonstration of how a joint approach between the two councils could provide real benefit for our residents, without any loss of accountable local decision making.

“I would also like to thank Keith Barrow for releasing Kim on secondment for the months before he retires. He will bring with him a wealth of experience that we are keen to share and learn from to help Cheshire East to move forward into a new era.”

Kim Ryley said of this move: “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved in Shropshire over the past few years.  There is a dedicated team of elected members, managers, and staff in the council, that I know will continue this work. 

“I would like to feel that I have room for at least one fresh challenge before I think about a well-earned retirement and the exciting opportunity to work at Cheshire East was too good to resist.  The council there has huge potential to make a real difference for local people, and both councillors and staff are very committed to making this happen quickly.”

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, supported this fresh approach to partnership working. He said: “This seems an ideal point to support Cheshire East, allowing our neighbours to benefit from Kim’s accomplished experience in local government. 

“Cheshire East Council will fund his salary during his time at the authority, where I am certain he will drive forward service improvement, as he has done in Shropshire.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish Kim well in his future role with Cheshire East Council and subsequently in his retirement. I know he will be a great asset to their programme of transformational change and I am proud that we can share Shropshire's successes across our borders.”